Cape Town, South Africa, 19 January 2026. South Africa continues to face high school dropout rates, gang-related crime, persistent poverty and family instability. For many teenage boys, staying in school means navigating pressures that have nothing to do with the classroom.
From 9 to 11 January 2026, a carefully selected group of young men from Ocean View Secondary School attended the Roots to Resilience Youth Leadership Camp, developed and run by The Global Centre for Change Foundation.
Who attended and why
Participants were not selected at random. They were chosen for demonstrated leadership potential: the boys who show up at school, who stand out, who go the extra mile even when showing up is the hardest thing to do. The group consisted mainly of learners in grades 10 to 12, at a critical point in the transition from boys to young men.
What the camp involved
The programme combined leadership training, teamwork challenges and mentorship sessions. Activities ranged from fireside discussions and personal letter readings to collaborative problem-solving. Outdoor challenges required the group to work together under pressure, building trust and resilience through experience rather than instruction.
Many arrived shy and hesitant. For some, it was their first time away from home.
By the end of the weekend, the shift was clear.
“These young men arrived carrying the weight of their circumstances. They left knowing their past does not define their future. Belief, structure and consistent support change how young people see themselves.”
Brent Proctor, Camp Lead Facilitator, GCC FoundationWhat happens next
The camp is not the endpoint. All participants now enter a fully sponsored 12-month mentorship programme, providing ongoing guidance, positive role models and structured support to sustain the progress made during those three days.
The 12-month programme includes character formation, academic support, job readiness training, exposure to real employment pathways and practical life milestones such as learner’s licence preparation. It is designed to develop an internal compass, helping young men understand who they are and how to lead themselves before they are ever asked to lead others.
The programme forms part of GCC’s broader commitment to supporting young people from under-resourced communities at a critical point in their development. Targeted leadership development helps reduce dropout risk and strengthens resilience during adolescence.
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About GCC Foundation: The Global Centre for Change Foundation builds structured pathways for progress through mentorship, teacher development and long-term intervention design. Working in under-resourced communities in the Deep South of Cape Town, GCC creates access to training, support and opportunity for young people and educators who need it most.